Willie Deese will be the keynote speaker April 26 at the fourth annual 1867 Gala at Barber-Scotia College in Concord.
Deese, president of the manufacturing division of Merck Pharmaceuticals, will speak at 7 p.m. in the Mabel Parker McLean College Union. He was raised and educated in Cabarrus County and graduated from N.C. A&T State University. The mistress of ceremony will be Beatrice Thompson, news and public affairs director of WBAV, FM, V101.9, Charlotte.
Last year’s event raised $35,000. This year’s goal is to double that amount. Contributions can be sent to NAABS, Inc., P.O. Box 1288, Concord, NC 28026, Attention: 1867 Society.
Other scheduled events include meetings, a president’s reception, Golden Grads luncheon, campus tours and silent auction.